Klarinet Archive - Posting 000178.txt from 2002/11

From: "William Semple" <wsemple@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] The dynamics of mouthpieces
Date: Mon, 4 Nov 2002 08:05:36 -0500

Here is another theoretical question regarding mouthpieces, which surely has
been hashed and rehashed.

I believe I understand why classical players select more closed faced
mouthpieces with longer lays and heavier reeds, as oppose to the very open
"Pete Fountain" softer reed set-ups preferred by some jazz musicians.

Personally, the 5RV works great as a jazz mouthpiece for me, because I am
trying to achieve a very clear sweet tone on the bandstand, but I use a
relatively soft 3.5 Van Doren V12.

Last night, the area's top jazz clarinetist complimented me on my tone, and
looked at my clarinet. He said, "That's a Buffet, huh? What number? It has
an excellent tone."

I said to him, "I HAVE AN EXCELLENT TONE, because the embouchure is more
important than the clarinet!" :))))

The question is: what are the dynamics in these setups that dictate
mouthpiece selection? Is it theoretically possible for an advanced classical
player to play a Pete Fountain and do well with it?

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